The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, Union General Alfred Torbert, along with 8,000 troops, operate against the Virginia Central Railroad in the Shenandoah Valley.

General Alfred Torbert

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet discuss the Trent Affair. Great Britain demands the immediate release of Confederate commissioners Mason and Slidell.

In November 1861 the Federal warship San Jacinto  intercepted the British mail packet Trent and removed Confederate commissioners Mason and Slidell from the ship. This caused an uproar in Great Britain with threats of war against the Union.

U.S.S. San Jacinto

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress) 

On this day in the Civil War, Federal Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase and Secretary of State William Seward are involved in conflicts with each other. Seward submits his resignation to President Lincoln; however, it is not accepted.

William Seward

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, the second day’s fighting at the Battle of Nashville ends with a crushing defeat of the Confederate Army of Tennessee. The battle effectively destroys the fighting capacity of this Confederate army.

Union Flag 

Gettysburg Museum 

On this day in the Civil War, the Battle of Nashville occurs when the Federal army under General George Thomas attacks the Confederate Army of Tennessee commanded by General John B. Hood. The Confederates are outnumbered 2 to 1, but withstand the Federal onslaught. This ends the first day of fighting.

Confederate Flag

National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg Pa