Posted on Dec 9, 2016
What was the most significant event on September 24 during the U.S. Civil War?
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In 1863, the Union leveraged railroads to move significant corps-size forces from the eastern theater in Maryland to the western theater in western Tennessee to relive the siege of Chattanooga.
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln’s issued an order that the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity.
In the western theater of operations in 1862, while blockading the Texas coast, the U. S. Navy encountered a Rebel regiment at Sabine Pass. The outlet for the Sabine and Neches Rivers, the Sabine Pass guarded the eastern approaches to Texas. Union forces raided Sabine Pass in September 1862. Navy gunboats smashed the fort, then landed troops that burned sawmills and railroad shops, destroyed track, and pulled down the bridge over the Sabine. After the Union shelling Rebels withdraw.
In 1862 President Abraham Lincoln’s issued another Proclamation. “September of 1862 is most often remembered for the Battle of Antietam and the Emancipation Proclamation released just after. There was, however, another proclamation issued two days following. While the first was meant to set men free, the second was quite the opposite.
The proclamation stated simply that “all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-martial or military commission.”
It also suspected the writ of habeas corpus for anyone suspected of the above charges.
Like the Emancipation Proclamation, this wasn’t really anything new. Early on in the war, Lincoln suspended the writ, but left it up to the Secretary of War to decide when it should specifically be suspended. According to the Constitution, the President does indeed have the right to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in times of rebellion and invasion. He does not, however, have the right to allow someone else to decide when and where to enforce it. The responsibility and blame must be squarely upon his shoulders.
So instead of picking and choosing places such as Missouri or Kentucky, Maryland or Northern Virginia, Lincoln painted a much broader stroke, ordering indefinite confinement for those assumed to be guilty. There would be no civil trials for those accused – only military tribunals.
Orders went to the War Department to appoint a Provost Marshal General, who would be based in Washington. Other provost marshals would be scattered throughout all of the states.
Though either Proclamation could have easily stood on its own without the support of the other, the public largely viewed them together, being released only two days apart. To many, the rights of the white man were being taken away to expand the rights of the black man.
Many in the Republican party were disheartened by this one-two punch so close to the November election. Soon, a shift would be seen, swinging states like Pennsylvania and Illinois towards the Democrats.
Congress had been left out completely, as was the judicial branch of government. Lincoln’s newest proclamation usurped the power of both, creating what many saw as an out and out dictatorship.
Certainly, the power was there and only time would tell how it was abused. Could the Federal government really tell the difference between “disloyal acts” and Constitutionally-protected dissent? How would they decide what was subversion and what was simply not supporting the administration?
For the time being, the answers would have to wait. Most of the public was still focused upon the Emancipation Proclamation.
That night, though the windy streets of Washington, a crowd of supporters led by the Marine Band took to the streets, and marched to the White House. There, they demanded a speech from Lincoln. When he appeared, he was met with loud and enthusiastic huzzahs.
Lincoln said that he did not know exactly why they had dropped in for a visit, but he assumed that it was because of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“What I did,” explained the President, “I did after a very full deliberation, and under a very heavy and solemn sense of responsibility. I can only trust in God I have made no mistake. I shall make no attempt on this occasion to sustain what I have done or said by any comment. It is now for the country and the world to pass judgment and, maybe, take action upon it.” [1]
[1] Sources: The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Volume 6; Freedom Of Speech: A Reference Guide To The United States Constitution by Keith Werhan; White House Studies Compendium, Volume 5 by Robert W. Watson; Lincoln, His Life and Times by Henry Jarvis Raymond; Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation by Allen C. Guelzo; Lincoln’s Darkest Year by William Marvel.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/lincolns-other-september-62-proclamation/
Saturday, September 24, 1864: Jubal Early retreated farther up the Shenandoah Valley. “The whole of the army is now moving forward,” wrote Philip Sheridan to General Grant. His victory at Fisher’s Hill in the Shenandoah Valley had yielded him twenty pieces of artillery and over 1,000 prisoners of war. Though he was unable to bag Early’s entire force as he has wished, it was discovered that he at least disrupted the Confederate general’s plans to remain at Fisher’s Hill indefinitely.
The night previous had seen his vanguard near Mount Jackson, where Early had now moved. With his cavalry in the lead, Sheridan attempted to move around the Confederate left, crossing first the North Fork of the Shenandoah, and attempting to recross it in the rear of the Southerners.
But from his position atop Rude’s Hill, Jubal Early could trace all of Sheridan’s movements and was surprised by none. “As soon as it was fully developed,” wrote Early after the war, “I commenced retiring in the line of battle, and in that manner retired through New Market.”
For nine miles they marched, and were dogged by the Northern enemy. “This movement was made through an entirely open country,” Early related, “and at every mile or two a halt was made, and artillery open on the enemy, who was pursuing, which compelled him to commence deploying into line, when the retreat would be resumed.”
Though Sheridan followed, he had a difficult time in keeping up with his retreating enemy. “I have no cavalry present to hold them,” he confessed to Grant. This was more or less true. The bulk of his cavalry was under Alfred Torbet, and they were fighting their own battle in the parallel Luray Valley, trying to break through and sweep to Early’s rear around the Massanutten Mountains, near New Market.
That morning, they had advanced up the valley, finding their enemy, William Wickham’s cavalry, in position three miles north of the village of Luray. Torbett immediately unleashed George Custer’s brigade who drove the Rebels like cattle for eight miles into the ridges east of New Market.
Word was sent to Early by Wickham that his force was retiring over the pass to New Market, but by this time, Early was already in retreat, passing through the town. In reply, he ordered his cavalry back into the Luray Valley, but the way was barred by Torbert’s Federals. Rather than fight it out, they decided to wait for morning.
As his cavalry was fading into the cover of the ridges, Jubal Early decided to make whatever stand he could. About six miles south of New Market, the road to Port Republic branched off of the main Valley Pike. It was there, on a ridge near a place called Tenth Legion that Early “determined to resist any further advance, so as to enable my trains to get on the Port Republic Road.”
Early deployed skirmishers, sending them forward, backed by his own artillery. But Sheridan refused to bite, instead retiring beyond the reach of Confederate guns, while battering Early with his longer-ranged Federal pieces.
The day previous, Sheridan had relieved from command William Averell, who had commanded a division of his cavalry. He placed the troops under William Powell, and pushed them towards the town of Timberville, on Early’s left. “This latter movement stampeded him so badly” that Early was forced off the Valley Pike to make for Port Republic. While Early was in retreat with plans for leaving the Valley Pike before Powell showed his face, the end result was the same – the main thoroughfare through the Shenandoah Valley was now completely in Federal hands.
As for General Averell, he was ordered to report to Wheeling, West Virginia, but of this he protested, instead, wishing for leave to return home to Bath, New York. “For a long time I have been suffering from chronic dysentery,” he wrote in his request, “which has recently attacked me with increased violence. For the benefit of my health I request this indulgence.”
Sheridan’s original plans had been greatly altered. Originally, he dreamed of “pushing up the Valley with a certain amount of supplies and then returning” to his original position along the Opequon, east of Winchester. But the two late battles held him up, and now he understood that “there is not sufficient in the Valley to live off the country.”
That night, Early decided upon Brown’s Gap as his final destination. He would not leave the Valley, but would wait for the return of Joseph Kershaw’s Division. Originally, General Lee had ordered it back to Petersburg, but after realizing that Early would be left with too small of force to win even a defensive battle (and after losing two such engagements), it was decided to send the wayward division back to the Valley. This would augment Early’s numbers by 4,000 or so, if only he could hold out until they arrived.” [1]
[1] Sources: Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 43, Part 1, p429; Part 2, p162-163, 878; Make Me a Map of the Valley by Jedediah Hotchkiss; Personal Memoirs by Philip Sheridan; A Memoir of the Last Year of the War For Independence by Jubal A. Early; From Winchester to Cedar Creek by Jeffry D. Wert.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/early-retreats-farther-up-the-valley/
Pictures: 1862-09-24 the first battle at Sabine Pass 24th and 25th of September 1862; 1863-09 The Railroads Race to Save Rosecrans; 1862-09-24 proclamation writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity; 1863-09 Blockhouse at Union camp guarding the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad
A. 1861: Union Secretary of the Navy Welles issues a historic command, instructing Flag Officer Du Pont, Commander of the South Atlantic Squadron, to employ runaway slaves aboard their ships at a compensation of ten dollars per month and one ration per day. It would be some years before blacks were enlisted in the other services.
B. 1862: President Lincoln issues an order that the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity. He also orders that “all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-martial or military commission.”
C. 1863: President Lincoln wires Maj Gen William Rosecrans in Chattanooga, telling him 40,000 to 60,000 troops are on their way. Within a week Maj Gen Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker with the first of two corps arrived at Stevenson, Alabama. This move of Hooker's army, which underscored the Union's ability to effectively utilize the rail network, was one of the most impressive logistical accomplishments of the war. Hooker was hoping to redeem himself and regain his reputation as a solid commander, since losing his command in June to Maj Gen George Meade.
D. 1864: Lt Gen Ulysses S. Grant declared that if this war was to last another year, no provisions for the Confederate Army would come from the Shenandoah Valley. General Grant wanted nothing left for the South to use. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg, Virginia were burned in what will be known as the “Burning” or “Red October.” In Georgia, Maj Gen William T. Sherman started his “scorched earth” march to the sea.
FYI SGT Mark Anderson PO3 Edward Riddle Maj William W. 'Bill' Price COL (Join to see) SSgt David M.] SPC Maurice Evans SPC Jon O. SGT Jim ArnoldAmn Dale PreisachCW4 (Join to see) Sgt Jerry GenesioSSG (Join to see)LTC John Griscom LTC Thomas Tennant LTC David Brown LTC (Join to see) CWO3 (Join to see) SGT John " Mac " McConnell SFC (Join to see) CPL Ronald Keyes Jr
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln’s issued an order that the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity.
In the western theater of operations in 1862, while blockading the Texas coast, the U. S. Navy encountered a Rebel regiment at Sabine Pass. The outlet for the Sabine and Neches Rivers, the Sabine Pass guarded the eastern approaches to Texas. Union forces raided Sabine Pass in September 1862. Navy gunboats smashed the fort, then landed troops that burned sawmills and railroad shops, destroyed track, and pulled down the bridge over the Sabine. After the Union shelling Rebels withdraw.
In 1862 President Abraham Lincoln’s issued another Proclamation. “September of 1862 is most often remembered for the Battle of Antietam and the Emancipation Proclamation released just after. There was, however, another proclamation issued two days following. While the first was meant to set men free, the second was quite the opposite.
The proclamation stated simply that “all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-martial or military commission.”
It also suspected the writ of habeas corpus for anyone suspected of the above charges.
Like the Emancipation Proclamation, this wasn’t really anything new. Early on in the war, Lincoln suspended the writ, but left it up to the Secretary of War to decide when it should specifically be suspended. According to the Constitution, the President does indeed have the right to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in times of rebellion and invasion. He does not, however, have the right to allow someone else to decide when and where to enforce it. The responsibility and blame must be squarely upon his shoulders.
So instead of picking and choosing places such as Missouri or Kentucky, Maryland or Northern Virginia, Lincoln painted a much broader stroke, ordering indefinite confinement for those assumed to be guilty. There would be no civil trials for those accused – only military tribunals.
Orders went to the War Department to appoint a Provost Marshal General, who would be based in Washington. Other provost marshals would be scattered throughout all of the states.
Though either Proclamation could have easily stood on its own without the support of the other, the public largely viewed them together, being released only two days apart. To many, the rights of the white man were being taken away to expand the rights of the black man.
Many in the Republican party were disheartened by this one-two punch so close to the November election. Soon, a shift would be seen, swinging states like Pennsylvania and Illinois towards the Democrats.
Congress had been left out completely, as was the judicial branch of government. Lincoln’s newest proclamation usurped the power of both, creating what many saw as an out and out dictatorship.
Certainly, the power was there and only time would tell how it was abused. Could the Federal government really tell the difference between “disloyal acts” and Constitutionally-protected dissent? How would they decide what was subversion and what was simply not supporting the administration?
For the time being, the answers would have to wait. Most of the public was still focused upon the Emancipation Proclamation.
That night, though the windy streets of Washington, a crowd of supporters led by the Marine Band took to the streets, and marched to the White House. There, they demanded a speech from Lincoln. When he appeared, he was met with loud and enthusiastic huzzahs.
Lincoln said that he did not know exactly why they had dropped in for a visit, but he assumed that it was because of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“What I did,” explained the President, “I did after a very full deliberation, and under a very heavy and solemn sense of responsibility. I can only trust in God I have made no mistake. I shall make no attempt on this occasion to sustain what I have done or said by any comment. It is now for the country and the world to pass judgment and, maybe, take action upon it.” [1]
[1] Sources: The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Volume 6; Freedom Of Speech: A Reference Guide To The United States Constitution by Keith Werhan; White House Studies Compendium, Volume 5 by Robert W. Watson; Lincoln, His Life and Times by Henry Jarvis Raymond; Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation by Allen C. Guelzo; Lincoln’s Darkest Year by William Marvel.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/lincolns-other-september-62-proclamation/
Saturday, September 24, 1864: Jubal Early retreated farther up the Shenandoah Valley. “The whole of the army is now moving forward,” wrote Philip Sheridan to General Grant. His victory at Fisher’s Hill in the Shenandoah Valley had yielded him twenty pieces of artillery and over 1,000 prisoners of war. Though he was unable to bag Early’s entire force as he has wished, it was discovered that he at least disrupted the Confederate general’s plans to remain at Fisher’s Hill indefinitely.
The night previous had seen his vanguard near Mount Jackson, where Early had now moved. With his cavalry in the lead, Sheridan attempted to move around the Confederate left, crossing first the North Fork of the Shenandoah, and attempting to recross it in the rear of the Southerners.
But from his position atop Rude’s Hill, Jubal Early could trace all of Sheridan’s movements and was surprised by none. “As soon as it was fully developed,” wrote Early after the war, “I commenced retiring in the line of battle, and in that manner retired through New Market.”
For nine miles they marched, and were dogged by the Northern enemy. “This movement was made through an entirely open country,” Early related, “and at every mile or two a halt was made, and artillery open on the enemy, who was pursuing, which compelled him to commence deploying into line, when the retreat would be resumed.”
Though Sheridan followed, he had a difficult time in keeping up with his retreating enemy. “I have no cavalry present to hold them,” he confessed to Grant. This was more or less true. The bulk of his cavalry was under Alfred Torbet, and they were fighting their own battle in the parallel Luray Valley, trying to break through and sweep to Early’s rear around the Massanutten Mountains, near New Market.
That morning, they had advanced up the valley, finding their enemy, William Wickham’s cavalry, in position three miles north of the village of Luray. Torbett immediately unleashed George Custer’s brigade who drove the Rebels like cattle for eight miles into the ridges east of New Market.
Word was sent to Early by Wickham that his force was retiring over the pass to New Market, but by this time, Early was already in retreat, passing through the town. In reply, he ordered his cavalry back into the Luray Valley, but the way was barred by Torbert’s Federals. Rather than fight it out, they decided to wait for morning.
As his cavalry was fading into the cover of the ridges, Jubal Early decided to make whatever stand he could. About six miles south of New Market, the road to Port Republic branched off of the main Valley Pike. It was there, on a ridge near a place called Tenth Legion that Early “determined to resist any further advance, so as to enable my trains to get on the Port Republic Road.”
Early deployed skirmishers, sending them forward, backed by his own artillery. But Sheridan refused to bite, instead retiring beyond the reach of Confederate guns, while battering Early with his longer-ranged Federal pieces.
The day previous, Sheridan had relieved from command William Averell, who had commanded a division of his cavalry. He placed the troops under William Powell, and pushed them towards the town of Timberville, on Early’s left. “This latter movement stampeded him so badly” that Early was forced off the Valley Pike to make for Port Republic. While Early was in retreat with plans for leaving the Valley Pike before Powell showed his face, the end result was the same – the main thoroughfare through the Shenandoah Valley was now completely in Federal hands.
As for General Averell, he was ordered to report to Wheeling, West Virginia, but of this he protested, instead, wishing for leave to return home to Bath, New York. “For a long time I have been suffering from chronic dysentery,” he wrote in his request, “which has recently attacked me with increased violence. For the benefit of my health I request this indulgence.”
Sheridan’s original plans had been greatly altered. Originally, he dreamed of “pushing up the Valley with a certain amount of supplies and then returning” to his original position along the Opequon, east of Winchester. But the two late battles held him up, and now he understood that “there is not sufficient in the Valley to live off the country.”
That night, Early decided upon Brown’s Gap as his final destination. He would not leave the Valley, but would wait for the return of Joseph Kershaw’s Division. Originally, General Lee had ordered it back to Petersburg, but after realizing that Early would be left with too small of force to win even a defensive battle (and after losing two such engagements), it was decided to send the wayward division back to the Valley. This would augment Early’s numbers by 4,000 or so, if only he could hold out until they arrived.” [1]
[1] Sources: Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 43, Part 1, p429; Part 2, p162-163, 878; Make Me a Map of the Valley by Jedediah Hotchkiss; Personal Memoirs by Philip Sheridan; A Memoir of the Last Year of the War For Independence by Jubal A. Early; From Winchester to Cedar Creek by Jeffry D. Wert.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/early-retreats-farther-up-the-valley/
Pictures: 1862-09-24 the first battle at Sabine Pass 24th and 25th of September 1862; 1863-09 The Railroads Race to Save Rosecrans; 1862-09-24 proclamation writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity; 1863-09 Blockhouse at Union camp guarding the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad
A. 1861: Union Secretary of the Navy Welles issues a historic command, instructing Flag Officer Du Pont, Commander of the South Atlantic Squadron, to employ runaway slaves aboard their ships at a compensation of ten dollars per month and one ration per day. It would be some years before blacks were enlisted in the other services.
B. 1862: President Lincoln issues an order that the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity. He also orders that “all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-martial or military commission.”
C. 1863: President Lincoln wires Maj Gen William Rosecrans in Chattanooga, telling him 40,000 to 60,000 troops are on their way. Within a week Maj Gen Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker with the first of two corps arrived at Stevenson, Alabama. This move of Hooker's army, which underscored the Union's ability to effectively utilize the rail network, was one of the most impressive logistical accomplishments of the war. Hooker was hoping to redeem himself and regain his reputation as a solid commander, since losing his command in June to Maj Gen George Meade.
D. 1864: Lt Gen Ulysses S. Grant declared that if this war was to last another year, no provisions for the Confederate Army would come from the Shenandoah Valley. General Grant wanted nothing left for the South to use. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg, Virginia were burned in what will be known as the “Burning” or “Red October.” In Georgia, Maj Gen William T. Sherman started his “scorched earth” march to the sea.
FYI SGT Mark Anderson PO3 Edward Riddle Maj William W. 'Bill' Price COL (Join to see) SSgt David M.] SPC Maurice Evans SPC Jon O. SGT Jim ArnoldAmn Dale PreisachCW4 (Join to see) Sgt Jerry GenesioSSG (Join to see)LTC John Griscom LTC Thomas Tennant LTC David Brown LTC (Join to see) CWO3 (Join to see) SGT John " Mac " McConnell SFC (Join to see) CPL Ronald Keyes Jr
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In 1862 blockade actions in Texas interdicted ships destined for Confederate ports. In 1863 Union railways began to move a Corps with equipment in supplies from the eastern theater to the western theatre achieving a logistical phenomenon which was the first of its kind and raised the bar for follow-on efforts. In 1864, total war was initiated in the Shenandoah valley and in Georgia as Confederate bread baskets were burned to deprive the confederates of sustenance.
Tuesday, September, 24, 1861: CSA Gen Robert E. Lee advanced to Big Sewell in western Virginia. “General Lee was up by 4am, worried that Wise’s Legion, twelve miles in front of him, would be overrun, or have its flank turned. If that happened, the divided Confederate Army of the Kanawha would be whipped in detail, destroyed before it could make a united stand.
Due to some misunderstanding, Lee was unsure whether there were only 3,000 or as many as 10,000 Union soldiers facing off with General Wise on and around Big Sewell Mountain. Realizing that, Wise, who told Lee that he couldn’t even move his wagons to the rear, wasn’t about to unite with General Floyd, twelve miles to his rear at Meadow Bluff.
Wise quickly replied to Lee, explaining that there were only 3,000 enemy troops before him. Again, he reiterated that the Wilderness Road that both Lee and Floyd feared would carry Rosecrans’ army at Carnifex Ferry wasn’t a factor. In previous dispatches, Wise had said the road was too small to carry artillery. Now, he was denying its existence. “I tell you emphatically, sir,” asserted Wise to Lee, “the enemy are advancing in strong force on this turnpike [The James River and Kanawha Turn Pike].”
Wise ended his note by explaining that if he was compelled to retire, that General Floyd cover his retreat. He also wanted to bring back all of his ammunition. Lee had asked Wise how much ammunition he had, but Wise ignored the question. Clearly, he had some, but Lee could not know how much. [1]
Lee decided that the only way to resolve the issue was to join Wise at Big Sewell with the brigade of Col. Henry Heth (leaving Floyd with only three regiments). While this would greatly reduce Floyd’s force at Meadow Bluff, Lee knew that General Loring was on his way from Valley Mountain with three regiments from the Confederate Army of the Northwest.
Lee arrived at Big Sewell in a bad mood. The rain, combined with the abhorrent condition of Wise’s men, did it no favors. Though the ground Wise had chosen was a spectacular defensive position, his men lacked order, discipline and organization.
That night, as more cold rain fell, Lee silently stood by the fire, his hands clasped behind his back. He was probably deep in thought, taking in his precarious situation. Because Wise had disobeyed orders to join Floyd, how could he order Floyd to join Wise? What of the roads to the Wilderness Road to the north that could bring thousands of Union soldiers to the rear of Big Sewell? And what of the ammunition? Could Wise hold out?
Just then, a boyish lieutenant from Wise’s command broke Lee’s meditation by asking the General who the ordinance was and where he could find ammunition for his men.
“I think it very strange, Lieutenant,” Lee shot back with an icy glare, “that an officer of this command, which has been there a week, should come to me, who am just arrived, to ask who his ordinance officer is and where to find his ammunition. This is in keeping with everything else I find here – no order, no organization; nobody knows where anything is, no one understands his duty; officers and men alike are equally ignorant. This will not do.”
Because his baggage wagon had not yet arrived at Big Sewell, Lee wrapped himself in an overcoat and slept against a tree. [2]
1. Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 5, p878.
2. Rebels at the Gate by Lesser.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/lee-advances-to-big-sewell-in-western-virginia/
Thursday, September 24, 1863: Maj Gen George Meade learned of his ill fortune and he began to ready two corps for the west to relieve the siege on Chattanooga, Tennessee. “I contemplate no immediate movement,” replied George Meade, “though until your telegram the decision was not positive—awaiting information to be obtained to-day.”
General Meade, commander of the Union Army of the Potomac left Washington the day before believing that the idea to slash off 20,000 or so troops from his army to reinforce William Rosecrans in Chattanooga had been dropped. President Lincoln had suggested it (though Secretary Edwin Stanton had proposed it), but Meade was under the impression that his fiery logic had convinced the President of the folly of such a move.
Meade was wrong. After he left, General-in-Chief Henry Halleck met with Stanton and Lincoln, deciding that since Meade appeared to not be doing anything with his army, they might borrow some of it for awhile. Specifically, while Stanton had wanted perhaps as many as 30,000 troops, Lincoln decided to take the XI and XII Corps – just over 15,000 men (though around 23,000 in all would eventually make the journey) – to be placed under the command of Joe Hooker.
When Meade learned of the decision, it caught him off guard. He had been trying to plan an offensive campaign against General Lee’s forces, and was waiting for scouting reports to filter in. To Halleck, he explained that the XII Corps could not be withdrawn as they were in the front on picket duty. To that, Lincoln (through Halleck) replied that the “Eleventh and Twelfth Corps be immediately prepared to be sent to Washington, as conditionally ordered before.”
Lincoln wanted the troops to be ready to move by the following morning, and Meade could do nothing but comply. The XI Corps, under Oliver Otis Howard, was spread along the Orange & Alexander Railroad between Rappahannock Station and Bristoe. John Slocum’s XII Corps was indeed at the front. Meade requested the trains be sent all the way to Brandy Station to retrieve them. While no troops would be sent to relieve Howard’s Corps, Slocum’s position was taken over by the I Corps, under John Newton.
Removing the XII Corps would be a fairly tricky thing. Slocum’s headquarters were near Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan River, and many of the troops were within sight of the Rebels. “It is important that this should be done with the utmost dispatch,” wrote Meade to Newton, “and that the movement and relief of the Twelfth Corps should be effected without the knowledge of the enemy so far as it is practicable to accomplish it.”
Newton began to move his corps in the afternoon and it was immediately noticed by the Confederates. Federals intercepted a message sent by the Rebels, which read: “Camps on Culpeper and Stevensburg Road, to the right of Pony Mountain, have disappeared within the last two hours. Infantry can be seen moving toward Stevensburg. A few wagons also moving in that direction.”
The message was written at 3:30pm, and by 5:20pm, most of the XII had moved to Brandy Station and the I Corps was in their former position. As Slocum marched his men away from the Rapidan, General Joe Hooker penned a message to their commanding general. Slocum was still understandably bitter over Hooker’s behavior during and after the battle of Chancellorsville. It had been Slocum who was instrumental in getting Hooker ousted from the army. Almost putting that aside, yet with it, no doubt, still fresh in his mind, General Hooker gave his orders to Slocum.
The message was straight forward. While it was certainly not cordial, its air was only official. Hooker took no jabs, pulled no punches, and stuck to the basics. He wanted no changes to be made to the command structure of either corps, and wanted all to have five days cooked rations. Sugar and coffee, he promised, would be given to the men twice each day. “Have the baggage reduced minimum limit,” he instructed, “leave with 200 rounds of ammunition for the artillery and 40 for the infantry. […] Officers must reduce their horses to the smallest limit.” Slocum was to keep in touch with Hooker, advising him when he began to leave Brandy Station, as well as the prediction of their arrival time.
It was your basic letter of instruction, and really the only thing to which Slocum could object was the signature: “Hooker, Major-General.” And when he received it the following morning, he would most certainly object.” [1]
[1] Sources: Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 29, Part 1, p147-150, 152; Part 2, p227-228; Railroads In The Civil War: The Impact Of Management On Victory And Defeat by John E. Clark; Major-General Joseph Hooker and the Troops from the Army of the Potomac by Daniel Butterfield; Fighting Joe Hooker by Walter H. Hebert; The life and services of Major-General Henry Warner Slocum by Charles Elihu Slocum; The Bristoe Campaign by Adrian Tighe.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/meade-learns-of-his-ill-fortune-begins-to-ready-two-corps-for-the-west/
Below are several journal entries from 1861, 1862, 1863 and 1864 which shed light on what life was like for soldiers and civilians – the good, the bad and the ugly. … I am including journal entries from Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee for each year. I have been spending some time researching Civil War journals and diaries and editing them to fit into this series of Civil War discussions.
Tuesday, September 24, 1861: Journal of Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. “More enrolled today than any day yet. Most of the boys are from the surrounding farms, though there are a number of Tipton boys in our company. Our drillmaster keeps us on the drill ground most of the time.”
Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Journal of Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. “The first train of cars came in today from Corinth and we expect now to receive a fresh supply of hardtack. We have been on one-third rations by foraging; now, however, it seems we have to do without, for we have cleaned up everything for a distance of ten miles in all directions.”
Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles records in his diary a disturbing instance of attitudes in High Command that are counter to the Presidents’ policies: “September 24, Wednesday. Secretary Smith called this morning. Said he had just had an interview with Judge- Advocate Turner, who related a conversation which had taken place between himself (T.) and Colonel Key, one of Halleck’s staff. T. had expressed to K. his surprise that McClellan had not followed up the victory last week by by pursuing the Rebels and capturing them or cutting them in pieces. That, said K., is not the policy. Turner asked what, then, was the policy. Key said it was one of exhaustion; that it would have been impolitic and injudicious to have destroyed the Rebel army, for that would have ended the contest without any compromise, and it was the army policy at the right time to compel the opposing forces to adopt a compromise.[1]
Smith assures me that Turner made to him this communication. It is most extraordinary, yet entirely consistent with current events and what Wilson and others have stated. While I can hardly give credit to the statement, the facts can be reconciled with every action or inaction, — with wasted energies, fruitless campaigns, and barren fights. . . .
[1] Major John J. Key was summarily railed upon by the President to account for his language, stingingly rebuked, and forthwith discharged from the service.”
Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Sarah Morgan of Louisiana writes in her journal about the privations civilians suffer, with some humor: “September 24th. Yesterday the General saluted us with “Young ladies, if you will ride in a Confederate carriage, you may go to dress parade this evening.” Now, in present phraseology, “Confederate” means anything that is rough, unfinished, unfashionable, or poor. You hear of Confederate dresses, which means last year’s. Confederate bridle means a rope halter. Confederate silver, a tin cup or spoon. Confederate flour is corn meal, etc. In this case the Confederate carriage is a Jersey wagon with four seats, a top of hickory slats covered with leather, and the whole drawn by mules. We accepted gladly, partly for the ride and sight, partly to show we were not ashamed of a very comfortable conveyance; so with Mrs. Badger as chaperon, we went off in grand style. I must say I felt rather abashed and wished myself at home as we drove into town, and had the gaze of a whole regiment riveted on us. . . . We three girls sat in our rough carriage as comfortable as could be, dressed — well, we could not have been dressed better and looking our very best.”
Thursday, September 24, 1863: Journal of Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. “There is no news of importance. I have entirely recovered and am in good health again. Our regiment, as also the entire brigade, is slowly regaining its strength and increasing in number. The boys from the hospitals are taking their places and those on furlough are returning and bringing new recruits with them.”
Saturday, September 24, 1864: Journal of Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. “Rejoining the Eleventh Iowa at Atlanta and the Pursuit of Hood. September 24-November 6 — “This morning found us lying at Acworth, Georgia, having arrived at about 1 1 o'clock in the night. There is an engine off the track about a mile east of town, and they are at work repairing the track and trying to get the engine back on. Eleven trains are waiting here, six going North and five South. We left Acworth at 2 p. m. and arrived at Big Shanty, where we again had to lie until night, waiting for the railroad to be repaired. The rebels tore up the tracks to the west of Kenesaw mountain, this afternoon. They had a small battery with them and threw some shells at the trains, but with the exception of hitting three or four cars, did no damage.”
A. Tuesday, September 24, 1861: Union Secretary of the Navy Welles issues a historic command, instructing Flag Officer Du Pont, Commander of the South Atlantic Squadron, to employ runaway slaves aboard their ships at a compensation of ten dollars per month and one ration per day. It would be some years before blacks were enlisted in the other services.
B. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: President Lincoln issues an order that the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity. He also orders that “all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-martial or military commission.”
C. Thursday, September 24, 1863: President Lincoln wires Maj Gen William Rosecrans in Chattanooga, telling him 40,000 to 60,000 troops are on their way. Within a week Maj Gen Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker with the first of two corps arrived at Stevenson, Alabama. This move of Hooker's army, which underscored the Union's ability to effectively utilize the rail network, was one of the most impressive logistical accomplishments of the war. Hooker was hoping to redeem himself and regain his reputation as a solid commander, since losing his command in June to Maj Gen George Meade.
D. Saturday, September 24, 1864: Lt Gen Ulysses S. Grant declared that if this war was to last another year, no provisions for the Confederate Army would come from the Shenandoah Valley. General Grant wanted nothing left for the South to use. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg, Virginia were burned in what will be known as the “Burning” or “Red October.” In Georgia, Maj Gen William T. Sherman started his “scorched earth” march to the sea.
E. All the above; None of the above; or other [please explain] many other actions are mentioned in my response below.
Pictures: 1864-09 Flames lick the sky in Alfred Waud's sketch of the Union Army burning the Shenandoah Valley; 1863-09 Army transport boats bringing supplies up the Tennessee River to relieve the Union forces besieged at Chattanooga; 1864 Sheridan wastes Shenandoah valley; 1864-09 the Burning of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove by Alfred-R-Waud
1. Tuesday, September, 24, 1861: Maj Gen John C. Fremont formed his Army to move on Lexington to free Frank Blair. “The defeat at Lexington spurred General John C. Fremont into action. The previous day, Fremont reported to Washington that his troops were “gathering around the enemy.” While this wasn’t quite true, it was enough to garner some much-needed praise from Lincoln.
“The President is glad that you are hastening to the scene of action,” wrote General-in-Chief Scott in reply to Fremont, adding, “His words are, ‘He expects you to repair the disaster at Lexington without loss of time.'” [3]
On this date, General Fremont organized his army into five divisions, giving each one a fairly specific role and order. General John Pope, still in Iowa raising more troops, was to command the Second Division, headquartered at Booneville. Generals McKinstry, Hunter, Sigel, and Asboth were ordered to command the remaining divisions. Fremont’s Army of the West was 38,000 strong. [4]
Also, without fanfare or ceremony, General Fremont freed his old friend Frank Blair, who had been imprisoned for “insubordination in communicating … with the authorities at Washington; making complaints against and using disrespectful language towards Gen. Fremont, with a view of effecting his removal.” [5]
[3] Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 3, p185.
[4] Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 3, p504.
[5] Frank Blair: Lincoln’s Conservative by William Earl Parrish.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/lee-advances-to-big-sewell-in-western-virginia/
2. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: While blocking the Texas coast, the U. S. Navy encounters a Rebel regiment at Sabine Pass. After a Union shelling Rebels withdraw.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186209
3. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: 14 governors declare their support for the President and emancipation from a conference in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186209
4. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: 14 governors declare their support for the President and emancipation from a conference in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-seventy-six
5. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Gen. Halleck dispatches an aide, Col. Hibbin, with orders to relief Buell of command of the Army of the Ohio and to give Gen. Thomas orders to assume command of that army in Buell’s stead. Halleck tells Hibbin not to give these orders if “if General Buell should be found in the presence of the enemy preparing to fight a battle, or if he should have gained a victory, or if General Thomas should be separated from him so as not be able to enter upon the command of the troops operating against the enemy.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
6. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles records in his diary a disturbing instance of attitudes in High Command that are counter to the Presidents’ policies: “September 24, Wednesday. Secretary Smith called this morning. Said he had just had an interview with Judge- Advocate Turner, who related a conversation which had taken place between himself (T.) and Colonel Key, one of Halleck’s staff. T. had expressed to K. his surprise that McClellan had not followed up the victory last week by by pursuing the Rebels and capturing them or cutting them in pieces. That, said K., is not the policy. Turner asked what, then, was the policy. Key said it was one of exhaustion; that it would have been impolitic and injudicious to have destroyed the Rebel army, for that would have ended the contest without any compromise, and it was the army policy at the right time to compel the opposing forces to adopt a compromise.[1]
Smith assures me that Turner made to him this communication. It is most extraordinary, yet entirely consistent with current events and what Wilson and others have stated. While I can hardly give credit to the statement, the facts can be reconciled with every action or inaction, — with wasted energies, fruitless campaigns, and barren fights. . . .
[1] Major John J. Key was summarily railed upon by the President to account for his language, stingingly rebuked, and forthwith discharged from the service.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
7. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Sarah Morgan of Louisiana writes in her journal about the privations civilians suffer, with some humor: “September 24th. Yesterday the General saluted us with “Young ladies, if you will ride in a Confederate carriage, you may go to dress parade this evening.” Now, in present phraseology, “Confederate” means anything that is rough, unfinished, unfashionable, or poor. You hear of Confederate dresses, which means last year’s. Confederate bridle means a rope halter. Confederate silver, a tin cup or spoon. Confederate flour is corn meal, etc. In this case the Confederate carriage is a Jersey wagon with four seats, a top of hickory slats covered with leather, and the whole drawn by mules. We accepted gladly, partly for the ride and sight, partly to show we were not ashamed of a very comfortable conveyance; so with Mrs. Badger as chaperon, we went off in grand style. I must say I felt rather abashed and wished myself at home as we drove into town, and had the gaze of a whole regiment riveted on us. . . . We three girls sat in our rough carriage as comfortable as could be, dressed — well, we could not have been dressed better and looking our very best.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
8. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard assumes command of the Department of South Carolina and Georgia on this date.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
9. Saturday, September 24, 1864: Athens, Alabama - A Confederate raid had been ordered by President Jefferson Davis and Lt. Gen. John B. Hood. The purpose was to enter northern Alabama and middle Tennessee and disrupt the Union operations. Maj. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest was to lead this raid. The purpose was to harass Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's supply line during his Atlanta Campaign.
On September 23, Forrest and his men entered Athens, surprising the local Union garrison. They managed to capture about 600 Federals.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1864s.html
10. Saturday, September 24, 1864: In Missouri, Sterling Price’s Confederate raiders plunder in Fayette, along with Jackson and Farmington.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-180
11. Saturday, September 24, 1864: Milford Haven, Virginia - On September 24, a Union naval force destroyed 4 small Confederate ships, captured 5 other ships, and leveled a fishery at Milford haven. Milford Haven was located in the Rappahannock River area.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1864s.html
12. Saturday, September 24, 1864: Confederate troops of General Forrest takes Athens, Alabama along with 600 Union prisoners with plans to move into Tennessee and move toward Pulaski.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-180
A Tuesday, September, 24, 1861: Union Secretary of the Navy Welles issues a historic command, instructing Flag Officer Du Pont, Commander of the South Atlantic Squadron, to employ runaway slaves aboard their ships at a compensation of ten dollars per month and one ration per day. It would be some years before blacks were enlisted in the other services.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-a/part-twenty-four
B Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Today, Pres. Lincoln issues an order that the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity. He also orders that “all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-martial or military commission.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
B+ Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Abraham Lincoln announced another proclamation suspending the right of habeas corpus, this time in any area under Federal control. The particular target of this move was “all Rebels and Insurgents, their aiders and abettors within the United States, and all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting militia drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice, affording comfort to Rebels against the authority of the United States.”
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-seventy-six
C Thursday, September 24, 1863: President Lincoln wires Gen. Rosecrans [US} in Chattanooga, telling him 40,000 to 60,000 troops are on their way. Within a week a corps arrives at Stevenson, Alabama.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186309
C+ Thursday, September 24, 1863: President Lincoln wires General Rosecrans (US) in Chattanooga, telling him 40,000 to 60,000 troops are on their way. Within a week, General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker (US) will arrive at Stevenson, Alabama. This move of Hooker's army, which underscored the Union's ability to effectively utilize the rail network, was one of the most impressive logistical accomplishments of the war. Hooker was hoping to redeem himself and regain his reputation as a solid commander, since losing his command in June to General George Meade (US).
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-c/week-128
D Saturday, September 24, 1864: Lieut. General Ulysses S. Grant (US) declares that if this war is to last another year, no provisions for the Confederate Army will come from the Shenandoah Valley. General Grant wanted nothing left for the South to use, so General Sherman will start his “scorched earth” invasion. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg are burned in what will be known as the “Burning” or “Red October.”
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-180
FYI GySgt Jack Wallace CWO4 Terrence Clark SMSgt Lawrence McCarter LTC Trent Klug SFC Bernard WalkoSSG Franklin Briant SSG Byron Howard Sr CPL Ronald Keyes Jr SFC William Farrell CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw SPC Lyle MontgomeryPO2 Marco MonsalveSPC Woody Bullard SSG Michael Noll SSG Bill McCoy SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTMSgt Christopher Collins SPC (Join to see) SPC Gary C. PO3 Lynn Spalding
Tuesday, September, 24, 1861: CSA Gen Robert E. Lee advanced to Big Sewell in western Virginia. “General Lee was up by 4am, worried that Wise’s Legion, twelve miles in front of him, would be overrun, or have its flank turned. If that happened, the divided Confederate Army of the Kanawha would be whipped in detail, destroyed before it could make a united stand.
Due to some misunderstanding, Lee was unsure whether there were only 3,000 or as many as 10,000 Union soldiers facing off with General Wise on and around Big Sewell Mountain. Realizing that, Wise, who told Lee that he couldn’t even move his wagons to the rear, wasn’t about to unite with General Floyd, twelve miles to his rear at Meadow Bluff.
Wise quickly replied to Lee, explaining that there were only 3,000 enemy troops before him. Again, he reiterated that the Wilderness Road that both Lee and Floyd feared would carry Rosecrans’ army at Carnifex Ferry wasn’t a factor. In previous dispatches, Wise had said the road was too small to carry artillery. Now, he was denying its existence. “I tell you emphatically, sir,” asserted Wise to Lee, “the enemy are advancing in strong force on this turnpike [The James River and Kanawha Turn Pike].”
Wise ended his note by explaining that if he was compelled to retire, that General Floyd cover his retreat. He also wanted to bring back all of his ammunition. Lee had asked Wise how much ammunition he had, but Wise ignored the question. Clearly, he had some, but Lee could not know how much. [1]
Lee decided that the only way to resolve the issue was to join Wise at Big Sewell with the brigade of Col. Henry Heth (leaving Floyd with only three regiments). While this would greatly reduce Floyd’s force at Meadow Bluff, Lee knew that General Loring was on his way from Valley Mountain with three regiments from the Confederate Army of the Northwest.
Lee arrived at Big Sewell in a bad mood. The rain, combined with the abhorrent condition of Wise’s men, did it no favors. Though the ground Wise had chosen was a spectacular defensive position, his men lacked order, discipline and organization.
That night, as more cold rain fell, Lee silently stood by the fire, his hands clasped behind his back. He was probably deep in thought, taking in his precarious situation. Because Wise had disobeyed orders to join Floyd, how could he order Floyd to join Wise? What of the roads to the Wilderness Road to the north that could bring thousands of Union soldiers to the rear of Big Sewell? And what of the ammunition? Could Wise hold out?
Just then, a boyish lieutenant from Wise’s command broke Lee’s meditation by asking the General who the ordinance was and where he could find ammunition for his men.
“I think it very strange, Lieutenant,” Lee shot back with an icy glare, “that an officer of this command, which has been there a week, should come to me, who am just arrived, to ask who his ordinance officer is and where to find his ammunition. This is in keeping with everything else I find here – no order, no organization; nobody knows where anything is, no one understands his duty; officers and men alike are equally ignorant. This will not do.”
Because his baggage wagon had not yet arrived at Big Sewell, Lee wrapped himself in an overcoat and slept against a tree. [2]
1. Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 5, p878.
2. Rebels at the Gate by Lesser.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/lee-advances-to-big-sewell-in-western-virginia/
Thursday, September 24, 1863: Maj Gen George Meade learned of his ill fortune and he began to ready two corps for the west to relieve the siege on Chattanooga, Tennessee. “I contemplate no immediate movement,” replied George Meade, “though until your telegram the decision was not positive—awaiting information to be obtained to-day.”
General Meade, commander of the Union Army of the Potomac left Washington the day before believing that the idea to slash off 20,000 or so troops from his army to reinforce William Rosecrans in Chattanooga had been dropped. President Lincoln had suggested it (though Secretary Edwin Stanton had proposed it), but Meade was under the impression that his fiery logic had convinced the President of the folly of such a move.
Meade was wrong. After he left, General-in-Chief Henry Halleck met with Stanton and Lincoln, deciding that since Meade appeared to not be doing anything with his army, they might borrow some of it for awhile. Specifically, while Stanton had wanted perhaps as many as 30,000 troops, Lincoln decided to take the XI and XII Corps – just over 15,000 men (though around 23,000 in all would eventually make the journey) – to be placed under the command of Joe Hooker.
When Meade learned of the decision, it caught him off guard. He had been trying to plan an offensive campaign against General Lee’s forces, and was waiting for scouting reports to filter in. To Halleck, he explained that the XII Corps could not be withdrawn as they were in the front on picket duty. To that, Lincoln (through Halleck) replied that the “Eleventh and Twelfth Corps be immediately prepared to be sent to Washington, as conditionally ordered before.”
Lincoln wanted the troops to be ready to move by the following morning, and Meade could do nothing but comply. The XI Corps, under Oliver Otis Howard, was spread along the Orange & Alexander Railroad between Rappahannock Station and Bristoe. John Slocum’s XII Corps was indeed at the front. Meade requested the trains be sent all the way to Brandy Station to retrieve them. While no troops would be sent to relieve Howard’s Corps, Slocum’s position was taken over by the I Corps, under John Newton.
Removing the XII Corps would be a fairly tricky thing. Slocum’s headquarters were near Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan River, and many of the troops were within sight of the Rebels. “It is important that this should be done with the utmost dispatch,” wrote Meade to Newton, “and that the movement and relief of the Twelfth Corps should be effected without the knowledge of the enemy so far as it is practicable to accomplish it.”
Newton began to move his corps in the afternoon and it was immediately noticed by the Confederates. Federals intercepted a message sent by the Rebels, which read: “Camps on Culpeper and Stevensburg Road, to the right of Pony Mountain, have disappeared within the last two hours. Infantry can be seen moving toward Stevensburg. A few wagons also moving in that direction.”
The message was written at 3:30pm, and by 5:20pm, most of the XII had moved to Brandy Station and the I Corps was in their former position. As Slocum marched his men away from the Rapidan, General Joe Hooker penned a message to their commanding general. Slocum was still understandably bitter over Hooker’s behavior during and after the battle of Chancellorsville. It had been Slocum who was instrumental in getting Hooker ousted from the army. Almost putting that aside, yet with it, no doubt, still fresh in his mind, General Hooker gave his orders to Slocum.
The message was straight forward. While it was certainly not cordial, its air was only official. Hooker took no jabs, pulled no punches, and stuck to the basics. He wanted no changes to be made to the command structure of either corps, and wanted all to have five days cooked rations. Sugar and coffee, he promised, would be given to the men twice each day. “Have the baggage reduced minimum limit,” he instructed, “leave with 200 rounds of ammunition for the artillery and 40 for the infantry. […] Officers must reduce their horses to the smallest limit.” Slocum was to keep in touch with Hooker, advising him when he began to leave Brandy Station, as well as the prediction of their arrival time.
It was your basic letter of instruction, and really the only thing to which Slocum could object was the signature: “Hooker, Major-General.” And when he received it the following morning, he would most certainly object.” [1]
[1] Sources: Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 29, Part 1, p147-150, 152; Part 2, p227-228; Railroads In The Civil War: The Impact Of Management On Victory And Defeat by John E. Clark; Major-General Joseph Hooker and the Troops from the Army of the Potomac by Daniel Butterfield; Fighting Joe Hooker by Walter H. Hebert; The life and services of Major-General Henry Warner Slocum by Charles Elihu Slocum; The Bristoe Campaign by Adrian Tighe.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/meade-learns-of-his-ill-fortune-begins-to-ready-two-corps-for-the-west/
Below are several journal entries from 1861, 1862, 1863 and 1864 which shed light on what life was like for soldiers and civilians – the good, the bad and the ugly. … I am including journal entries from Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee for each year. I have been spending some time researching Civil War journals and diaries and editing them to fit into this series of Civil War discussions.
Tuesday, September 24, 1861: Journal of Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. “More enrolled today than any day yet. Most of the boys are from the surrounding farms, though there are a number of Tipton boys in our company. Our drillmaster keeps us on the drill ground most of the time.”
Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Journal of Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. “The first train of cars came in today from Corinth and we expect now to receive a fresh supply of hardtack. We have been on one-third rations by foraging; now, however, it seems we have to do without, for we have cleaned up everything for a distance of ten miles in all directions.”
Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles records in his diary a disturbing instance of attitudes in High Command that are counter to the Presidents’ policies: “September 24, Wednesday. Secretary Smith called this morning. Said he had just had an interview with Judge- Advocate Turner, who related a conversation which had taken place between himself (T.) and Colonel Key, one of Halleck’s staff. T. had expressed to K. his surprise that McClellan had not followed up the victory last week by by pursuing the Rebels and capturing them or cutting them in pieces. That, said K., is not the policy. Turner asked what, then, was the policy. Key said it was one of exhaustion; that it would have been impolitic and injudicious to have destroyed the Rebel army, for that would have ended the contest without any compromise, and it was the army policy at the right time to compel the opposing forces to adopt a compromise.[1]
Smith assures me that Turner made to him this communication. It is most extraordinary, yet entirely consistent with current events and what Wilson and others have stated. While I can hardly give credit to the statement, the facts can be reconciled with every action or inaction, — with wasted energies, fruitless campaigns, and barren fights. . . .
[1] Major John J. Key was summarily railed upon by the President to account for his language, stingingly rebuked, and forthwith discharged from the service.”
Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Sarah Morgan of Louisiana writes in her journal about the privations civilians suffer, with some humor: “September 24th. Yesterday the General saluted us with “Young ladies, if you will ride in a Confederate carriage, you may go to dress parade this evening.” Now, in present phraseology, “Confederate” means anything that is rough, unfinished, unfashionable, or poor. You hear of Confederate dresses, which means last year’s. Confederate bridle means a rope halter. Confederate silver, a tin cup or spoon. Confederate flour is corn meal, etc. In this case the Confederate carriage is a Jersey wagon with four seats, a top of hickory slats covered with leather, and the whole drawn by mules. We accepted gladly, partly for the ride and sight, partly to show we were not ashamed of a very comfortable conveyance; so with Mrs. Badger as chaperon, we went off in grand style. I must say I felt rather abashed and wished myself at home as we drove into town, and had the gaze of a whole regiment riveted on us. . . . We three girls sat in our rough carriage as comfortable as could be, dressed — well, we could not have been dressed better and looking our very best.”
Thursday, September 24, 1863: Journal of Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. “There is no news of importance. I have entirely recovered and am in good health again. Our regiment, as also the entire brigade, is slowly regaining its strength and increasing in number. The boys from the hospitals are taking their places and those on furlough are returning and bringing new recruits with them.”
Saturday, September 24, 1864: Journal of Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, "Crocker's Brigade," Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. “Rejoining the Eleventh Iowa at Atlanta and the Pursuit of Hood. September 24-November 6 — “This morning found us lying at Acworth, Georgia, having arrived at about 1 1 o'clock in the night. There is an engine off the track about a mile east of town, and they are at work repairing the track and trying to get the engine back on. Eleven trains are waiting here, six going North and five South. We left Acworth at 2 p. m. and arrived at Big Shanty, where we again had to lie until night, waiting for the railroad to be repaired. The rebels tore up the tracks to the west of Kenesaw mountain, this afternoon. They had a small battery with them and threw some shells at the trains, but with the exception of hitting three or four cars, did no damage.”
A. Tuesday, September 24, 1861: Union Secretary of the Navy Welles issues a historic command, instructing Flag Officer Du Pont, Commander of the South Atlantic Squadron, to employ runaway slaves aboard their ships at a compensation of ten dollars per month and one ration per day. It would be some years before blacks were enlisted in the other services.
B. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: President Lincoln issues an order that the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity. He also orders that “all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-martial or military commission.”
C. Thursday, September 24, 1863: President Lincoln wires Maj Gen William Rosecrans in Chattanooga, telling him 40,000 to 60,000 troops are on their way. Within a week Maj Gen Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker with the first of two corps arrived at Stevenson, Alabama. This move of Hooker's army, which underscored the Union's ability to effectively utilize the rail network, was one of the most impressive logistical accomplishments of the war. Hooker was hoping to redeem himself and regain his reputation as a solid commander, since losing his command in June to Maj Gen George Meade.
D. Saturday, September 24, 1864: Lt Gen Ulysses S. Grant declared that if this war was to last another year, no provisions for the Confederate Army would come from the Shenandoah Valley. General Grant wanted nothing left for the South to use. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg, Virginia were burned in what will be known as the “Burning” or “Red October.” In Georgia, Maj Gen William T. Sherman started his “scorched earth” march to the sea.
E. All the above; None of the above; or other [please explain] many other actions are mentioned in my response below.
Pictures: 1864-09 Flames lick the sky in Alfred Waud's sketch of the Union Army burning the Shenandoah Valley; 1863-09 Army transport boats bringing supplies up the Tennessee River to relieve the Union forces besieged at Chattanooga; 1864 Sheridan wastes Shenandoah valley; 1864-09 the Burning of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove by Alfred-R-Waud
1. Tuesday, September, 24, 1861: Maj Gen John C. Fremont formed his Army to move on Lexington to free Frank Blair. “The defeat at Lexington spurred General John C. Fremont into action. The previous day, Fremont reported to Washington that his troops were “gathering around the enemy.” While this wasn’t quite true, it was enough to garner some much-needed praise from Lincoln.
“The President is glad that you are hastening to the scene of action,” wrote General-in-Chief Scott in reply to Fremont, adding, “His words are, ‘He expects you to repair the disaster at Lexington without loss of time.'” [3]
On this date, General Fremont organized his army into five divisions, giving each one a fairly specific role and order. General John Pope, still in Iowa raising more troops, was to command the Second Division, headquartered at Booneville. Generals McKinstry, Hunter, Sigel, and Asboth were ordered to command the remaining divisions. Fremont’s Army of the West was 38,000 strong. [4]
Also, without fanfare or ceremony, General Fremont freed his old friend Frank Blair, who had been imprisoned for “insubordination in communicating … with the authorities at Washington; making complaints against and using disrespectful language towards Gen. Fremont, with a view of effecting his removal.” [5]
[3] Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 3, p185.
[4] Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 3, p504.
[5] Frank Blair: Lincoln’s Conservative by William Earl Parrish.
http://civilwardailygazette.com/lee-advances-to-big-sewell-in-western-virginia/
2. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: While blocking the Texas coast, the U. S. Navy encounters a Rebel regiment at Sabine Pass. After a Union shelling Rebels withdraw.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186209
3. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: 14 governors declare their support for the President and emancipation from a conference in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186209
4. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: 14 governors declare their support for the President and emancipation from a conference in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-seventy-six
5. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Gen. Halleck dispatches an aide, Col. Hibbin, with orders to relief Buell of command of the Army of the Ohio and to give Gen. Thomas orders to assume command of that army in Buell’s stead. Halleck tells Hibbin not to give these orders if “if General Buell should be found in the presence of the enemy preparing to fight a battle, or if he should have gained a victory, or if General Thomas should be separated from him so as not be able to enter upon the command of the troops operating against the enemy.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
6. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Sec. of the Navy Gideon Welles records in his diary a disturbing instance of attitudes in High Command that are counter to the Presidents’ policies: “September 24, Wednesday. Secretary Smith called this morning. Said he had just had an interview with Judge- Advocate Turner, who related a conversation which had taken place between himself (T.) and Colonel Key, one of Halleck’s staff. T. had expressed to K. his surprise that McClellan had not followed up the victory last week by by pursuing the Rebels and capturing them or cutting them in pieces. That, said K., is not the policy. Turner asked what, then, was the policy. Key said it was one of exhaustion; that it would have been impolitic and injudicious to have destroyed the Rebel army, for that would have ended the contest without any compromise, and it was the army policy at the right time to compel the opposing forces to adopt a compromise.[1]
Smith assures me that Turner made to him this communication. It is most extraordinary, yet entirely consistent with current events and what Wilson and others have stated. While I can hardly give credit to the statement, the facts can be reconciled with every action or inaction, — with wasted energies, fruitless campaigns, and barren fights. . . .
[1] Major John J. Key was summarily railed upon by the President to account for his language, stingingly rebuked, and forthwith discharged from the service.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
7. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Sarah Morgan of Louisiana writes in her journal about the privations civilians suffer, with some humor: “September 24th. Yesterday the General saluted us with “Young ladies, if you will ride in a Confederate carriage, you may go to dress parade this evening.” Now, in present phraseology, “Confederate” means anything that is rough, unfinished, unfashionable, or poor. You hear of Confederate dresses, which means last year’s. Confederate bridle means a rope halter. Confederate silver, a tin cup or spoon. Confederate flour is corn meal, etc. In this case the Confederate carriage is a Jersey wagon with four seats, a top of hickory slats covered with leather, and the whole drawn by mules. We accepted gladly, partly for the ride and sight, partly to show we were not ashamed of a very comfortable conveyance; so with Mrs. Badger as chaperon, we went off in grand style. I must say I felt rather abashed and wished myself at home as we drove into town, and had the gaze of a whole regiment riveted on us. . . . We three girls sat in our rough carriage as comfortable as could be, dressed — well, we could not have been dressed better and looking our very best.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
8. Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard assumes command of the Department of South Carolina and Georgia on this date.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
9. Saturday, September 24, 1864: Athens, Alabama - A Confederate raid had been ordered by President Jefferson Davis and Lt. Gen. John B. Hood. The purpose was to enter northern Alabama and middle Tennessee and disrupt the Union operations. Maj. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest was to lead this raid. The purpose was to harass Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's supply line during his Atlanta Campaign.
On September 23, Forrest and his men entered Athens, surprising the local Union garrison. They managed to capture about 600 Federals.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1864s.html
10. Saturday, September 24, 1864: In Missouri, Sterling Price’s Confederate raiders plunder in Fayette, along with Jackson and Farmington.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-180
11. Saturday, September 24, 1864: Milford Haven, Virginia - On September 24, a Union naval force destroyed 4 small Confederate ships, captured 5 other ships, and leveled a fishery at Milford haven. Milford Haven was located in the Rappahannock River area.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1864s.html
12. Saturday, September 24, 1864: Confederate troops of General Forrest takes Athens, Alabama along with 600 Union prisoners with plans to move into Tennessee and move toward Pulaski.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-180
A Tuesday, September, 24, 1861: Union Secretary of the Navy Welles issues a historic command, instructing Flag Officer Du Pont, Commander of the South Atlantic Squadron, to employ runaway slaves aboard their ships at a compensation of ten dollars per month and one ration per day. It would be some years before blacks were enlisted in the other services.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-a/part-twenty-four
B Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Today, Pres. Lincoln issues an order that the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended for people who are suspected of being engaged in treasonous activity. He also orders that “all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law, and liable to trial and punishment by courts-martial or military commission.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=September+24%2C+1862
B+ Wednesday, September 24, 1862: Abraham Lincoln announced another proclamation suspending the right of habeas corpus, this time in any area under Federal control. The particular target of this move was “all Rebels and Insurgents, their aiders and abettors within the United States, and all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting militia drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice, affording comfort to Rebels against the authority of the United States.”
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-seventy-six
C Thursday, September 24, 1863: President Lincoln wires Gen. Rosecrans [US} in Chattanooga, telling him 40,000 to 60,000 troops are on their way. Within a week a corps arrives at Stevenson, Alabama.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186309
C+ Thursday, September 24, 1863: President Lincoln wires General Rosecrans (US) in Chattanooga, telling him 40,000 to 60,000 troops are on their way. Within a week, General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker (US) will arrive at Stevenson, Alabama. This move of Hooker's army, which underscored the Union's ability to effectively utilize the rail network, was one of the most impressive logistical accomplishments of the war. Hooker was hoping to redeem himself and regain his reputation as a solid commander, since losing his command in June to General George Meade (US).
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-c/week-128
D Saturday, September 24, 1864: Lieut. General Ulysses S. Grant (US) declares that if this war is to last another year, no provisions for the Confederate Army will come from the Shenandoah Valley. General Grant wanted nothing left for the South to use, so General Sherman will start his “scorched earth” invasion. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg are burned in what will be known as the “Burning” or “Red October.”
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/1864/week-180
FYI GySgt Jack Wallace CWO4 Terrence Clark SMSgt Lawrence McCarter LTC Trent Klug SFC Bernard WalkoSSG Franklin Briant SSG Byron Howard Sr CPL Ronald Keyes Jr SFC William Farrell CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw SPC Lyle MontgomeryPO2 Marco MonsalveSPC Woody Bullard SSG Michael Noll SSG Bill McCoy SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTMSgt Christopher Collins SPC (Join to see) SPC Gary C. PO3 Lynn Spalding
Lee Advances to Big Sewell in Western Virginia
Tuesday, September 24, 1861 General Lee was up by 4am, worried that Wise’s Legion, twelve miles in front of him, would be overrun, or have its flank turned. If that happened, the divided Conf…
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LTC Stephen F.
You are very welcome, my deceased friend and brother-in-Christ SP5 Mark Kuzinski I am thankful that you are resting in peace with more joy than we can imagine. Periodically the LORD reminds me to pray for your widow Diana and children.
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