The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, President-elect Lincoln arrives in the city of New York, a crowd of around 500,000 is there to greet him.

President Abraham Lincoln

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, the Army of Northern Virginia sends several divisions of Confederate troops from Fredricksburg, Virginia to an area near Richmond, their job is to protect the Southern capital from attack.

Confederate Cannons 

Richmond, Virginia

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, a watchman on the USS Housatonic, a blockade ship patrolling in Charleston Harbor, sees something in the water making its way toward the ship, it turns out to be the Confederate semi-submersible ship H L Hunley. 

The Hunley is armed with a torpedo, which blows a hole in the Housatonic on impact. Both vessels sink.

Charleston Harbor

On this day in the Civil War, General U.S. Grant issues his terms for the disposition of Fort Donelson: “No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.”

The statement leaves the Confederates with no alternative and General Buckner relinquishes possession of the military position.

Ulysses S. Grant

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, minor fighting breaks out in Tennessee. The Federal force, under the command of Sergeant Holmes, manages to defeat the Southern force; killing 8, wounding 20, and taking 4 prisoners.