The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, Union General Fitz John Porter is court marshalled and cashiered from the Federal Army. This action is due to Porter’s alleged failure to follow orders at the Battle of Second Manassas.

In 1878 Porter was exonerated from this charge by a special commission. In 1886, he was reinstated to the army.

Fitz John Porter

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress) 

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)