The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, New York Democratic representative Moses Odell favors a proposed Constitutional amendment abolishing slavery. Odell is one of the key Democrats whose vote makes possible the passage of the amendment.

Moses Odell

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Federal forces under General Alfred Terry join up with a Union naval fleet commanded by Admiral Porter. This Federal expedition plans to seize Fort Fisher.

Alfred Terry

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Union General Edward Ord is named the commander of the Army of the James.

Edward Ord

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Confederate President Jefferson Davis writes a letter to Confederate Vice-President Alexander Stephens, in which he criticizes Stephens for undermining Southerners confidence in their president.

Alexander Stephens 

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issues a safe conduct pass through Union lines to James W. Singleton. Singleton’s mission is to instigate peace negotiations through unofficial channels between the Union and Confederacy.